When Amanda Lucey was deciding on a college, she wanted a place where she could get involved and be part of the community. That’s why she chose the University of West Georgia.

Now, Lucey – a 2006 economics alumna who minored in mass communications and currently serves as CEO of The Partnership, an Atlanta-based marketing and communications agency – has given back to her college community, establishing the Amanda Lucey Endowed Scholarship for UWG students majoring in mass communications.

“A very important part of success is giving back,” she explained. “We all have a responsibility to help others and contribute to our community. I want to help students have a great start in their career, and that starts with an education.”

As CEO of The Partnership, Atlanta’s oldest privately held marketing agency, Lucey has spent much of her career as a business owner, founding Moxie Media and Marketing (doing business as M3 Effect) in 2012. After doubling growth year over year for five years, she announced a joint venture between M3 and The Partnership, leading to the full acquisition of The Partnership in July 2018.

Lucey’s marketing skills don’t stop at being a CEO; she’s also held executive roles with the United Kingdom government and the U.S. dairy industry. As vice consul, head of political press and public affairs for the British consulate general, she managed all media relations strategies and communicated the U.K.’s policy and public diplomacy priorities.

Her background includes service as the director of communications and public relations for the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, a marketing organization promoting milk and dairy products. She managed all marketing and communications efforts and was responsible for issues and crisis management, media training, and developing marketing strategies.

Lucey also has extensive marketing experience, including consulting roles with the Georgia Department of Labor and DeKalb Economic Development Authority. She has worked on several political campaigns and served as the marketing chair for various nonprofit organizations.

In choosing to attend UWG, Lucey feels UWG prepared her for success in her aspirations to become a successful businesswoman.

“I had so many opportunities to grow and develop at UWG – both inside and outside the classroom,” said Lucey, who was involved in the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Council, also serving as the editor-in-chief of The West Georgian. “I also became involved in political campaigns and actually worked for a local politician. It was a fantastic experience to have so many opportunities because of UWG’s network and community.”

The UWG community will have a further chance for growth thanks to Lucey’s endowment, which is intended to provide support and assistance to College of Social Sciences (COSS) students who are majoring in mass communications.

The recipients must also be first-generation students and demonstrate financial need. In addition, preference will be given to students who are involved in campus activities and experiential learning.

“The university continues to grow by leaps and bounds in enrollment and support because of the generosity of alumni like Amanda Lucey,” said Shaheen Solomon, director of development for COSS. “We are so honored that she’s taken the time to hear the stories of students affected by hardship while seeking loans to support their dreams and aspirations. She listened and understood. As a first-generation graduate herself and business owner, she knew she had the opportunity to provide support to those students seeking to advance the quality of their lives through our fine institution by easing the financial burden. Words cannot express our immense gratitude.”

Dr. Brad Yates, professor and chair of UWG’s Department of Mass Communications, called Lucey’s educational journey and career accomplishments “quite inspiring.”

“I am confident her story of success will be a spark for mass communications majors to push themselves to forge a path like hers,” Yates said. “Indeed, the Department of Mass Communications is extremely grateful to Amanda for giving back to her alma mater with her generous donation, and we look forward to expanding our partnership with her. How exciting it would be if future Lucey Scholarship recipients earn the opportunity to intern with The Partnership and work closely with Amanda."

Lucey provided sound advice to college students and potential recipients of the scholarship.

“Work, volunteer and get involved,” she concluded. “Don’t just go to class. Land an internship ­ – or three. Gain as many experiences as you can and make as many friends as you can. Some of my best friends and colleagues are people I met at UWG, and those relationships will last a lifetime.”